Watershed Association Announces
New State Funding for Nashua River Project--
Program Will Help Restore Local Environment

The Nashua River Watershed Association (NRWA) and the Town of Pepperell are pleased to announce $300,000 in new state funding to help combat the invasive water chestnut infestation in the Pepperell Pond impoundment on the Nashua River. The town of Pepperell was presented with a ceremonial check today by state legislative leaders. The infestation of the non-native plant crosses the Pepperell-Groton town line on the river; Pepperell will take the lead in the plant’s removal, with close cooperation with the NRWA, the Town of Groton, and other stakeholders.

“We are thrilled the water chestnut problem is finally going to be addressed with this funding,” said Martha Morgan, Water Programs Director at the NRWA. “The NRWA has been looking to improve recreational use on the river, which has been severely impacted by the growth of these plants. Their removal will improve access for boaters and restore vital habitat for fish and native plants.”

Last year, Senator Steven Panagiotakos, along with other legislators, toured the area by boat with representatives from Ducks Unlimited and the NRWA. He said the problem, left untreated, would negatively impact the quality of life in and around that section of the river.

“The water chestnut infestation is a problem not only for boaters and fishing enthusiasts, but also for our local environment,” said Sen. Panagiotakos. “Finding a solution to this issue was a priority going into the fiscal year 2008 budget.”

The water chestnut is an invasive species that has infested 45 acres of the Pepperell Pond area of the Nashua River, upriver from the East Pepperell dam. The size and number of plants make those areas of the river inaccessible for boating and fishing. Native plant species are also choked out. When the plants die each year, decomposition of the leaves causes a dip in the dissolved oxygen, which can kill fish, and causes a foul odor. Each plant is capable of producing 120 more plants.

Early on in an infestation, water chestnut growth can be curbed by annual hand-pulling. This method has been employed at Pepperell Pond in past years, but the invasive plant has continued to thrive here. Now, because of the extent of the growth, only a large-scale mechanical harvesting of the plant will have an impact.

“This is a big win for the Nashua River, and for residents in our communities,” said State Representative Robert Hargraves. “I think the project will make a tremendous difference for the area and the people who want to enjoy it.”

“We have a responsibility to ourselves and as environmental stewards to help return this area to its natural beauty,” Panagiotakos said.

The project is expected to take three to five years. For more information, please contact Martha Morgan, NRWA Water Programs Director, at 978-448-0299, or email Martha Morgan.